Storm Éowyn Strikes Ireland: Over 715,000 Homes Without Power as Gusts Reach Record Speeds
Ireland is grappling with one of the most dangerous storms in its history as Storm Éowyn unleashes unprecedented winds, leaving more than 715,000 homes, farms, and businesses without power. The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) has reported extensive damage to the electricity network, and the magnitude of the outages is described as unprecedented. With wind gusts recorded at 113 mph in Galway, predictions suggest that this number could rise as the storm continues to sweep across the country.
As of 8:00 AM, the extent of the power cuts was already alarming, with warnings from ESB indicating that it could take up to a week to restore full service. The country is under a red weather alert issued by Met Éireann, which has cautioned that the worst winds are yet to be felt, primarily moving from the south to the north and east.
The storm has already broken historical records, with a gust of 113 mph recorded at Mace Head in County Galway, surpassing the previous record high of 182 km/h (113 mph) set in January 1945. In addition, the mean wind speed record from 1945 at Foynes has also been toppled, with readings climbing to an astonishing 135 km/h (84 mph).
Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors, cautioning about the life-threatening risks posed by flying debris and falling trees. In Northern Ireland, nearly 100,000 homes have lost power, and reports of roads being blocked by fallen trees are widespread. One traveler heading to Shannon Airport noted the eerily deserted motorways littered with branches following the storm's wrath.
As Storm Éowyn approaches its peak, emergency services are on high alert. Airports, schools, parks, and offices are likely to close, and public transport has been significantly disrupted. Keith Leonard, chair of the national emergency coordination group, emphasized the severity of the situation, calling it potentially one of the most disastrous storms to hit Ireland. He urged citizens to prepare adequately for the storm, advising them to keep their phones and torches charged and secure any loose items outdoors.
The level of destruction expected is concerning; comparisons have been drawn to Storm Ophelia in 2017, which left 385,000 without power. Leonard reiterated the importance of sheltering in place during the storm, reminding the public of their safety.
Recall that Ireland has experienced its share of storms, with Hurricane Debbie in 1961 being one of the most catastrophic, claiming 18 lives in the Republic of Ireland and six in Northern Ireland. As Storm Éowyn builds intensity, residents are bracing for what could be another historical weather event, marking a significant moment in Ireland's tumultuous weather history.
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